What I didn't show was the series of Koira's less-than-stellar box turn.
The prop (the rain gutters taped together) in front of the box is there to remind Koira to jump up onto the box with all four feet. Without it, she tends to just slam the box with her front feet, grab the ball, and run. For a lot of reasons, this isn't a good thing. At least one out of every set of five runs, Koira flubs her turn, even with the prop. I have been trying for, quite literally, years, to fix her turn.
This week, I think I may have made a breakthrough. Of course, I have thought that before, and things have improved, but this time, I think it may really be the key to getting Koira tournament ready. I'll share all the details if it continues to work. But let's just say, I am hopeful.
Well, I don't know much about the rules and all but she sure does look cute doing it! I'd give her an A+++ just for looks alone and those are such great action shots too!
ReplyDeleteKoira, I'm still impressed even if you flub it once in awhile. I'm so uncoordinated just the fact that you can pivot off that box is way cool. Thanks for joining our Hop. Can't wait to see more as you advance!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that you may have had a breakthrough with her box turn! Athena was looking really great on the wall, but she wouldn't put her back feet on the box when we started box work. She would rather wrench her neck over all of the props to grab the ball and run. At last weekend's pet fair, someone on another team had a suggestion to get Athena up on the box and it worked! I really don't think I could explain it without photos....so I might have to get some soon =)
ReplyDeleteHope the breakthrough sticks! I know how that goes from agility training. We've wanted to try Flyball but that's one sport we haven't done yet. Maybe it's in Rocco's future! He could be a good height dog!
ReplyDeleteDiane and Rocco
Woof! Woof! I LOVE flyball brought many memories during my younger years. Happy FitDog Friday. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
ReplyDeleteHi Y'all!
ReplyDeleteWoof! You look great, except the one where you messed up the prop, Koira. I know it isn't what you're supposed to do...but it's hard to relearn something that's instinctive.
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
excited to read about your breakthrough. I am at my wits end with Sophie and really want to try another method with the new pup when/if I get him.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inside look into this sport. I guess I never thought of the training that goes into "grabbing the ball out of the box".
ReplyDeleteThis is new to me, so I find it very interesting. I now understand about the prop. I'm glad that you have made a breakthrough. Give Koira a hug from me. And thanks for joining FitDog Friday!
ReplyDeleteEven if they're bloopers, they're still neat pictures!
ReplyDeleteGo Koira Go...you make it look so easy. A True Champion!
ReplyDeleteWyatt and Stanzie
(P.S. Yes we do pick our own berries! Stanzie goes for Blackberries, Wyatt is the Strawberry Hound!)
Even with the "flub" it looks like she's having a great time - and that's the main thing! Fun way to stay fit!
ReplyDeleteGreat action shots. I can't even imagine what's required to teach a perfect box turn ... apart from a talented trainer and dog(s). I think there would be a lot of baby steps involved. Good luck, I hope you've got your breakthrough this time:)
ReplyDelete